Minnesota Public Radio Announces Service Upgrades in Ely Starting on September 15, 2011

(St. Paul, Minn.)--August 29, 2011--Minnesota Public Radio announced today that MPR News is launching a new radio station in Ely--WIRC 89.3 FM--on September 15, 2011. Also on that day, Classical MPR will move to the stronger signal 101.7 FM.

Residents of Ely will have access to the stronger signal from the new MPR News station, with programs like Morning Edition, Midmorning and Midday--as well as national programming such as Car Talk,® This American Life,® The Splendid Table,® Being,™ and everyone's favorite, A Prairie Home Companion.®

Ely listeners of Classical MPR will also enjoy a stronger signal, with programs such as Performance Today®, Minnesota Orchestra, Pipedreams®--and other classical music programming 24/7.

"We are proud to strengthen the MPR News and Classical MPR services in Ely," said Patti Mester, MPR regional network manager. "Minnesota Public Radio seeks to bring the best news and classical music programming to Minnesotans all over the state. The improved service in Ely is an important milestone in this ongoing effort."

Building and maintaining stations throughout Greater Minnesota is made possible, in part, through the support of MPR Members, the Federal Public Telecommunications Facilities Program, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the State of Minnesota.

Programming in Greater Minnesota is possible in part by funding from the State of Minnesota as well as support from underwriters and members.